Tagged: NCAA

Cardinals set school record

Louisville Cardinals vs. Boston College Eagles (NCAA/ACC)

Jim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY:  We were finally able to make it to another Louisville game, and what a historic game it was!  Brian was nice enough to let me watch some of the game from the stands, before heading to the outfield so he could play on the park.  I can’t complain too much, though as the best food is grilled in the outfield bleachers.  The #1 ranked cards were riding a 17 game winning streak after beating Boston College in the first game of the series 6-0 Friday night.  On Saturday, Louisville would put up another six, but the Eagles didn’t go away as quietly.

On the mound, Kade McClure pitched well with nine strikeouts and only giving up one earned run.  Louisville native Riley Thompson came in for relief, and got rocked a bit, giving up 3 earned runs and making things interesting the later innings.  Adam Wolf and Lincoln Henzman would shut things down for the Cards, though.  McClure still picked up the win, also.

Offensively, the Cardinals were lead by second baseman Devin Mann, who went 2-4 with 2 RBI’s.  Also contributing was Drew Ellis, 2-5 with one RBI, and Logan Taylor 1-2 with one RBI.  Their 18th win in a row is a new school record for wins in a row to start the season.  Final:  Cardinals 6, Eagles 4.

This was a fun game to be at, and the weather wasn’t all that bad, either. Louisville would also earn a 5-3 on Sunday, getting the sweep and extending the winning streak to 19 games.  The Cardinals will be hitting the road for the next couple of weekends, but we’ll be back here the first week in April.

Photos property of Minoring In Baseball

John Cropp Classic

John Cropp Stadium-Lexington, KY:  Our original plan for after our adventure at the Stache-A-Palooza, was to check out some Kentucky Wildcat baseball.  The team was scheduled to play Miami (Ohio) at 1:00 at Cliff Hagan Stadium.  Uh, however, when we arrived at the Cliff, we found it empty, with no baseball teams in sight.  Apparently, the game had been rescheduled, but we never saw any notification of this.  Still not sure WHY the game was changed, the weather wasn’t as bad as the day before, but maybe because the UK basketball team was playing at the same time?  Personally, I think it’s stupid to re-arrange baseball for stupid basketball, but again, that’s just me.  Not letting this ruin our day, though, we drove over to the UK softball venue, John Cropp Stadium, to find the ladies hosting a tournament there, aptly named the John Cropp Classic.  The Michigan Wolverines were playing the Evansville Aces when we arrived, and it was cool to see a somewhat (old) home team on the field.  We enjoyed the game, as the Wolverines made short work of the Aces. Final: Michigan 11, Evansville 2.

The next game in the tourney featured the home team Wildcats taking on the Kent State Golden Flashes.  Between games, Brian and some of the other kids took time to make signs supporting their Kentucky team.  Brian’s sign was a hit, as many of the girls acknowledged him, and one player even took a picture of him with it.  To be honest, we only stayed a few innings as the cold was getting to us, but the home team ended up with the victory anyway.  Not sure when we’ll make the trip to Lexington again, but will probably plan it around a Legends and Wildcats baseball game, and if the ladies are in town, we’ll hit another game here, too. Final:  Kentucky 2, Kent State 0.

Photos property of Minoring In Baseball

It Begins

Louisville Cardinals vs. Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (NCAA)

32276979124_49f7940432_zJim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY:  It officially begins, the 2017 baseball season.  As it was, Saturday was the coldest day here in Louisville, so obviously, that’s the only game we were able to make.   A little cold weather isn’t enough to ruin our baseball fun, however, (even though Brian looks miserable in the photo).  With Papa down visiting from Michigan, we were all happy to be at Jim Patterson Stadium for our first ballgame of the year.

32798958550_bfc5fcac05_z33139473066_f7070bbdba_zOn the hill for the Cards, Kade McClure earned the win, pitching six innings while striking out nine.  He only gave up one hit and walked only three.  In relief, Sam Bordner and Shay Smiddy preserved the shutout for Louisville.

32276979194_20dc8558e0_z32276979804_2dabf476b3_zOn the offensive side, Louisville was led by Colby Fitch, who went 2-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.  Also, Brendan McKay was being Brendan McKay, going 2-2 with a run and an RBI, while Drew Ellis went 2-3 with a run and RBI, also.  Nebraska-Omaha didn’t do themselves any favors, either, committing four errors.  In the end, it was a blowout and a shutout for the Cardinals.  Final: Cardinals 10, Mavericks 0.

33139450046_495b43306d_zDespite the cool temperatures, it was a fun day of baseball, and it wasn’t over with the Cards. We had to rush back to the OC, so Brian could take part in his Little League evaluation, as the draft was on Sunday.  Here’s a photo below from his eval.  Not sure when we’ll see Louisville at home next, but have plans to visit Lexington in a couple of weeks.  As for me, I’m just glad the baseball season has begun.

33080271966_397d24d0b9_zPhotos property of Minoring In Baseball

Wildcat Fan Day

kufandayNutter Field House-Lexington, KY:  Brian simply woke up one day and declared: ‘I’m a UK fan, dad.’ Uh, ok, that’s fine, I guess. When I asked him ‘why’, he simply replied: ‘I just am.’  Again, ok.  Kids are funny like that.  I might not ever really know what event turned his loyalties to the Big Blue Nation, but at least it gave us an excuse to travel to Lexington for the Wildcats inaugural Fan Day hosted by the university’s baseball and softball teams.

Brian with members of the UK baseball team at Fan Day

Brian with members of the UK baseball team at Fan Day

32427868886_72c35278f8_zThey day started with a short clinic for the kids, then the teams split up for an autograph session. The players were separated by position (INF, OF, P, C), which made it easier for the kids to jump from table to table, and maybe converse with a player or two they share a position with.  Brian even got to chat with a fellow North Oldham Little Leaguer (an alum, anyway) in Connor Heady, who is a senior infielder:

32427868606_0b109c556f_zWe’re still a big fan and supporter of college softball so Brian wanted to meet some of the girls and get some autographs from them, also.  They were super nice to him and of course signed his poster and hat, as well as posing for a few photos.  We’ll definitely try to catch some Wildcat softball games this spring.  A baseball-softball double-header sounds like a good day to me, anyway.

32089851390_f63ecbe922_z32316725922_f55ce2103f_zIn all, this was a great way to start out the 2017 baseball (and softball) season.  College baseball is less then a month away, and we look forward to being in the stands.  Oh, and Brian ran into more players in the parking lot he needed pictures with.  After all, as he told them, he is the biggest Kentucky fan…32370677201_28b337b4af_z32340600762_aeb5a63e8a_zPhotos property of Minoring In Baseball

Promotion courtesy of Kentucky Wildcats/NCAA

 

 

2016 Pizza Bowl

Straders’s Raiders vs. Vrable’s Vikings

29745559314_de046287b6_zJim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY:  I’m still learning some of the traditions of Cardinal baseball, and a new one I’ve discovered is the Pizza Bowl. The Louisville baseball team splits into two squads for a five game series, with the losers serving pizza to the winners. This years series featured Strader’s Raiders against the Vrable’s Vikings.  The Vikings took the first two game of the series, and we were in attendance for game three.

30311183871_ee8495c0c7_z30397340275_17d56c1ea1_zGame three really looked like the Raiders were going to break into the win column, as they carried a 3-1 lead into the eighth inning. They were lead by catcher Zeke Pinkham, who hit a single, walked twice, and scored a run.  Outfielder Ryan Summers and infielder Justin Levy each had one hit and one RBI.  Freshman outfielder Ethan Stringer hit a solo home run, and Brian was able to snag that ball.

29765580493_a9c8dbaede_z30376205575_7f6895e28e_zThe Vikings made their comeback in the eighth inning on three unearned runs.  Outfielder Logan Taylor had an RBI single and scored a run to lead the Vikes offense.  Colin Lyman and Danny Oriente each added and an RBI, also, with Oriente hitting and RBI single in the seventh as well.

30100272180_e77afd2756_z29765591453_6218b86259_zStarting on the hill for the Raiders, Michael McAvene earned a no-decision although he struck out six, walked one, and pitched six no-hit innings.  For the Vikings, Nick Bennett giving up just two runs on two hits while striking out four. FINAL:  Raiders 5, Vikings 4.

Trevor snagged a foul ball, and found a UofL stress ball

Trevor snagged a foul ball, and found a UofL stress ball

This was a fun day for the boys and I. We also had a productive day, as Trevor got a foul ball and a stress ball.  Brian was able to snag Stinger’s home run ball! This was our last ballgame of the fall, as the team split the last two games of the series, with the Raiders winning four games to one. We look forward to the spring and more Cardinal baseball!  Also exciting news I learned from my buddy the Baseball Bloggess, is that Louisville will be hosting the ACC Baseball tourney next season, also, so I’m looking to get some vacation time for that!

30280806732_c0b9a041e3_zPhotos property of Minoring In Baseball

 

 

Busy weekend in the ‘Ville

Black Cardinals vs. Red Cardinals

29150588283_4d9470422c_zJim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY:  This past weekend has to be one of the busiest in this town that I have seen since moving down this way, since the Derby weekend, anyway.  Since this is a baseball blog, I’ll be moving backwards and start with Sunday.  Brian and I decided to check out a little Louisville Cardinal fall ball scrimmage, and it was a lot of fun. Simply a beautiful day and there’s not too many places I’d rather be than a ballpark.  Granted, this was just an inter-squad scrimmage, and most may protest that these games don’t mean anything, but I disagree.  To the kids trying to either earn a walk-on position, or a spot in the starting lineup, there games can mean plenty.  I felt bad for the left fielder, who made a couple of errors, and we were within ear-shot to hear his frustrations loud and clear.  Take this for what it is, just something to do, watching something we love, spending time with my little buddy. Final: Black 10, Red 4.

29148286474_1580815908_z29150588043_c418590db9_z29663464912_7451f96c08_zNow, on Saturday, there was some kind of college football going on, and I guess this could be considered the busiest day of the weekend.  That’s probably why we stayed away from town.  I think the whole ESPN College Gameday crew was in town, also.  Although not a big football fan, I did watch some of the Louisville vs. Florida State game on TV, and was happy for a big Louisville win (63-20).  It’s always good for the town and the school, and I’ve never cared much for the Seminoles much in any sport, anyway.

29108810333_926131df20_zKFC Yum! Center-Louisville, KY:  Friday was a fun day for the boys and I, also.  This was both Trevor and Brian’s first WWE (I still call it WWF) show.  Brian was happy to see his two favorites Bayley and Roman Reigns fight.  It was a pretty good show, as the U.S. Championship, Tag-Team Championship, and Universal Championship belts were all defended.  I’d much rather attend a ‘house show’ than a TV event, as all they do is talk and you don’t see as much action.   We all had a great time, and will probably come again when the WWE is in town.  As well as baseball, Louisville is a decent place for a wrestling fan to live, also.  We have the local Ohio Valley Wrestling which is a lot of fun, and some other indy promotions in southern Indiana.

29108772143_96b51c53aa_z29108795333_920247c8fe_z29697842936_5a0f266474_zHere is a video of the introductions for the main event for the Universal Championship, Kevin Owens defending against Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn in a triple-threat match:

Video and photos property of Minoring In Baseball

Kold in Kentucky

Louisville Cardinals vs North Carolina State Wolfpack (NCAA/ACC)

26949360061_f7db084c0a_zJim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY:  Well, I thought it would be a little bit warmer here in Kentucky, but last weekend was a little bit cool.  With cold, nasty, rainy weather blasting the Midwest lately, I guess I can’t complain too much, as I’m sure we have it better than others.  While the temp was a little on the cold side, the Louisville Cardinals baseball team stayed hot.  Hosting ACC rival North Carolina State, we were able to get downtown and see the middle game of the series.  I brought the boys with, and as usual Brian decided to head to the playground.

26923501582_497fb20fd1_zSo, we’re back in the outfield, and that’s where we watched most of the game from.  The first half of the game was definitely a pitchers’ duel.  On the bump for the Cards, Drew Harrington picked up the win to improve his record to 10-1.  He pitched seven innings allowing two runs, walking one, and striking out seven.   Zack Burdi can in to pitch the ninth and earn the save, striking out all three batters!

26412021364_d5d64025c9_z26497252404_ff178502db_z26828775970_c42e349e4a_zLouisville was led offensively by Brendan McKay, going 2-4 with an RBI.  Drew Ellis went 2-2 with a run scored and a RBI.  All the Cards runs were scored in the fifth inning.  Final:  Cardinals 4, Wolfpack 2.

27034461911_4e1484b31d_z27034463991_e2ac055654_z27034453401_bb4311b9a9_zU of L is currently on a 19 game home winning streak, counting there win over Indiana last night.  They ended up sweeping 10th ranked NC State, winning 2-0 on Friday, and 6-1 on Sunday.  They don’t have any more regular season home games scheduled, but I’m hoping they’ll host a NCAA Regional after the ACC tournament is over.  I didn’t make a video during the game, but Trevor and I did make it on TV!  I re-watched the game after we got home, and found us in the upper left hand corner:

26743746320_ef00a880b0_zPhotos property of Minoring In Baseball

Cards tame Bearcats

Louisville Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bearcats (NCAA)

26779565196_91ca67bc00_zJim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY:  Brian had to make his first appearance at a Cardinals game sooner or later, so we just decided sooner.  Louisville hosted the Cincinnati Bearcats in a non-conference game, and this was a good chance to see our top-10 team in action.  Brian loved the façade of the ballpark, with the arc and the big bats (we haven’t made it to the Slugger museum yet).  We found seats for a little while, but migrated to the outfield so he could play on the playground.

26275622193_a2c336989d_zI could still watch the game, and got a solid panoramic which is always good!

26846029716_6c690a129a_kIt was a decent vantage point to watch the game, and the Cardinals were playing solid ball against the Bearcats.  The home team had their Louisville Slugger warmed up for the game, scoring seven run.  The Cards were led by Will Smith, who went 2-4 with a home run.  Colby Finch pitched in going 2-2 with two runs scored, while Blake Tiberi went 2-4 with 2 RBI.

26845988556_3a228b147d_z26880234915_0e2efd4e9b_zOn the mound, Kade McClure picked up the win, pitching seven innings, while striking out four. FINAL: Cardinals 7, Bearcats 1.

26880247215_54ec3027a4_z26607063630_7e9ebbfffc_zTo top the game off, Brian even got a foul ball, our first at a Louisville Cardinals game!

26737047711_7cb80d9373_zAnd here is a YouTube video I finally remembered to make:

 

Photos and video property of Minoring In Baseball

 

The Grand Finale’

LSSU Lakers vs Tiffin Dragons (NCAA)

26587218406_02f6334ffc_zLocey Field-Sault Ste Marie, MI:  Going into the weekend, we knew this would probably be our last chance to see the Laker softball team play.  What I didn’t expect, is the school making the decision to cancel the softball program entirely after this season, and that is as of last weekend.  I do feel that we were fortunate, however, to witness the final games of the program.

26135931803_330df407fa_zGame one was a tough loss for the Lakers. Down four zip, the girls stormed back to tie the game in the sixth.  The rally started when Soo native Jenna Holt hit a double to the wall, scoring Lindsey Pajot and Carly Banchiu.  Alyssa Boucher then scored on a wild pitch, cutting the lead to one.  Kylie Durre then tied the game by surviving a tough pickle situation. Boucher took the circle at the top of seven, but game up the game-winning home run. FINAL Game 1: LSSU 4, TU 5.

26135898483_e5ddb882ff_zBetween games, the Laker mascot Seamore the Seaduck was on hand to entertain the crowd. Of course, Brian had to get one last photo with him.

Brian and Seamore the Seaduck

Brian and Seamore the Seaduck

On to game number two, the final game in the history of the LSSU softball program.  With the Dragons up 2-0, catcher Katie Martin hit an RBI single to cut the lead to one.  That would be all the Lakers got for a few innings, though, as Tiffin racked up a few more.  Kylie Durre hit a dinger in the sixth, and Banchiu added an RBI single in the seventh, but it was too little, too late, and that’s all she wrote for Laker softball. FINAL Game 2:  LSSU 3, TU 7.

26135888343_ec8d78a174_zIt was sad to watch that final out, and the girls were obviously very emotional.  The program has been very good to us over the years, with Lily, Trevor, and Brian all participating in their camps and clinics.  We in turn have supported the team the best we can.  Now, as we move on as a family, these girls must now do the same, especially the younger classes that will have to find a new team to play for.  So, as this door closes, new ones are now opening for all of us…

26135885513_2f1fd42376_zPhotos property of Minoring In Baseball

 

The first in Four

LSSU Lakers vs Ohio Dominican (NCAA)

26739984905_3baa93d905_zLocey Field-Sault Ste Marie, MI: Last weekend the Lake Superior State Lakers played their first home game in four seasons.  With our impending move, it was good to see a game, and get distracted from life.  It was a little cool, as it usually is up here, but the sun was shining and the field was in good shape.

26495473982_d6aa613f92_zThe Lakers took on Ohio Dominican in a double header. In game one, Riley Durbano took the loss in the circle, pitching all seven innings and striking out two.  The Lakers were led offensively by Katey Hendershott who went 2-3. Lindsay Pajot added a double, Taylor Steinhelper had a single, stolen base, and run scored, while Teryn Williams and Carly Banchiu added an RBI each. Lake Superior scored three runs in the first inning, but couldn’t push anything else across after that.  FINAL Game 1: LSSU 3, ODU 6.

26673333271_4b78d51f63_zIn the second game, it was the Panthers who jumped out to a lead, but they never relinquished it.  Pajot had two of the three Laker RBI’s in the loss. Kylie Durre drove in Hendershott for the other Laker run. Freshman Alyssa Thayer pitched a complete three strikeout game in the loss. FINAL Game 2: LSSU 3, ODU 7.

26135945423_10a1685a74_zDespite the scores, it was a fun day of softball. Brian being buddies with most of the girls, served as their batboy for a game, also!

25982758954_7e253c4ee0_zPhotos property of Minoring In Baseball